Commons Cinemas
222 Commons Drive,
Chicago Ridge,
IL
60415
222 Commons Drive,
Chicago Ridge,
IL
60415
2 people
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In November of 1985, Cineplex Odeon purchased the Plitt Chain. The chain began an aggressive multiplex run in Chicago land that brought 11 new projects to the area. The Cineplex Odeon Commons Cinemas was announced as a five-screen venue with 1,700 seats in 1986. The David K. Mesbur-architected venue opened a year behind schedule on June 24, 1988 with just four auditoriums in the multiplex era though featuring 70mm projection, Dolby Stereo, marble floors and a THX certified auditorium. Super Crown Books opened not long after the Commons @ Chicago Ridge Shopping Center. And both would exit in about the same fashion in 2001. During the cinemas' run, the 70mm feature was largely unused with “Backdraft” being the only one documented and advertised by 1991. And then when the megaplex boom of the 1990s came, this four-screener was an afterthought.
On February 12, 2001, Crown Book Stores filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. That allowed them to break most of its remaining leases of its Super Crown locations. Three days later on February 15, 2001, Loews Cineplex Entertainment also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. They got rid of many of their late multiplex dogs built prior to the megaplexes - and this one was in that first wave - if not the very first closed. Two weeks later, Crown decided to liquidate all of its retail stores ceasing operations quickly. But Loews had already beaten them to the punch exiting with a hasty retreat on President’s Day February 19, 2001 - just four days after the bankruptcy declaration - with “Head Over Heels,” “Valentine,” “The Gift,” and “What Women Want.” And they really didn’t want this theater, nor did anyone else in theatrical exhibition. It was converted to a gym. It was later replaced with a big box retailer.
I saw the 90s Star Wars reissue here.
June 24th, 1988 grand opening ad can be found in the photo section.
Interesting coincidence: This location had to delay its grand opening by a week due to not passing a pre-opening fire department inspection. “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” was supposed to open, and had to be moved literally at the last minute across the street to the Chicago Ridge. (Chicago Ridge missed its opening day by a week, as well.)
It closed because of the bankruptcy of Loews-Cineplex. During the 99-01 period, they started getting rid of locations they felt really didn’t need. In this case, CR would be fine with the 6 screens in the mall. Same with what they did with River Run. Since they had 10 screens at River Oaks, they could afford to lose RR.
Chicago Ridge Mall and the Commons strip mall are actually seperated by 99th street. CR mall streches from 95th to 99th. If Commons Cinemas were still open, one could exit the mall at Carson’s, cross the street (99th), enter the Commons parking lot and go right. You couldn’t miss the theaters (now X-port Fitness).
Also, Commons opened June 24th, 1988. Seating capacity was 1700. It ran “Backdraft” in 70MM in ‘91.
I wonder if this place was so short-lived because of its close proximity to Chicago Ridge 6. And did people constantly get the two confused?
The Chicago Ridge commons Cinemas was converted in to a fitness gym that is opened 24hr`s a day. Thay kept the front but a far as i know nothing on the in side. Their was a big infomation booth set up in the main mall. To get people to join.